THE gang used cash from drug deals to buy foreign property, but police believe many of the assets remain hidden.

The leader of the drugs gang, Nathanial Thomas, had spent cash on jewellery, cars and on property in Dubai and the UK.

Despite being jobless, the 29-year-old from Chelmsley Wood, had £4,000 of cash on him when he was arrested and has now had a restraining order placed on £70,000 of other assets.

Many of the gang members are also known to be unemployed, but were paying rent for houses that cost up to £800 per month.

There is also evidence that deposits had been paid on mortgages for houses in the UK and on at least one apartment in Dubai.

Det Insp Martin Brennan, from the gang and organised crime unit of Force CID, said: “The selling of drugs paid for the lifestyles of gang members who were able to pay rental rates of £800 per month without jobs.

“We believe there are hidden assets not yet been identified, which will be pursued as part of Proceeds of Crime action. “Restraining orders have been placed on the assets we have discovered and investigations continue.

“The action against these people ripped the heart out of an organised gang who were supplying Class A drugs directly to streets here in Birmingham.”